time to get rolling again after 25 years

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Well, my son is two and a half now, and I’m thinking about resurrecting what used to be my #1 priority in life, model railroading. I still have all my old HO equipment, although it’s pretty modest stuff (a Tyco starter set plus a bunch of equipment I bought–mostly Atlas and Athearn stuff).

But I’m kind of clueless as to the state of things these days. Who makes the best locomotives now? By that I mean primarily the best running, most reliable, and realistic looking. I liked the Atlas and Athearn stuff I had, Tyco was definitely second rate.

And who’s making the best rolling stock? I’m thinking of modeling the D&RGW and featuring a California Zephyr train. Seems like Con-Cor (?) used to make the most realistic rolling stock back when I was still around. That still the case?

Thanks,

Ed

2

The required text for this course is the “Walthers HO Reference Book” a catalog
of over 1,000 pages with many-many-many manufacturers. www.walthers.com
In locos , there are 15 + manufacturers and many more in rolling stock.

There are Cadilacs, Chryslers, Lincolns, Lexus, Toyotas, Fords, Chevies and LEMONS

In a nut shell, it’s whats under the she shell that counts.

3

Yeah, I remember drooling over the Walthers catalog every night in bed when I was ten years old.

While it’s a great way to see what’s available, it doesn’t really indicate quality (unless you subscribe to the “you get what you pay for” maxim, which is often true!)

I was hoping folks might offer their opinions and experiences of the various manufacturers–although I realize it comes down to opinion. What are the Caddys? The Lemons?

I’ll be more specific–probably going to pick up some Rio Grande Alco PA units plus a CZ consist.

4

I have always have had good luck with rivarossi engine.
I had a steam engine that kept trowing the drive rods out of
time, I called rivarossi, and ask them what to do they had
me send them the one I had then they sent me a brand new
one after that because they did me right I have ben a fan of them.
Most of what they make is steam, so if you are running I do not
have a clue foe I am a steam man

5

James R Mitch, the Greyhound Challanger has a diesel locomotive rating of seven manufacturers.

I’m sure when he sees your post he will chime in.

6

I always have great runs and good luck with Bachman/Spectrum Locomotives. [:)]

7

I too have returned to MRR after many years. What I am doing is building the layout while reading the posts and replies on this and other boards before I jump in and put out the $$ on a big ticket item. I can’t afford spending $200-$300 a pop until I find the right loco!! For now my heart throb is to have Broadway Limited Import’s ATSF 4-8-4 when the release it next fall.

8

right now i have a Athearn GP50 and a Atlas GP40 locomotives. i also just won a Proto 2000 GP7 locomotive. the Athearn and Atlas run great from what i’ve seen.

right now i’d say the best manufacturer of locomotives is Athearn, Atlas, Proto 2000, and Kato. thats for diesel IMO. the best rolling stock manufacturer IMO is Athearn. make a great product. Walthers is good to i think.

9

The Grayhound Challenger must be working the holiday extra board and couldn’t respond directly.

I was able to go back and search the forum for his Nov. 6-03 post.

10

Ed:

For what is the most comprehensive review of HO steam locomotives that I know of have a look at www.steamlocomotive.com/model/ho-steam.html also, keep up with the product reviews in MRR and others as well as what is posted in this and other boards.

Welcome back!!

Randy

11

You’re right, they make the best diesels. But if you want steam engines, Spectrum and or Rivarossi would be a good choice.

12

Hey there 4884 bigboy what part of Gr are you in?

I’m SE, off 44th & KZ

13

How do you contact Rivarossi? I have a clunked out 2-8-2 consolidated from them. I’d love them to send me a new replacement! All I’ve found is a website in Italian.